Washington SyCip, an accounting guru and the founder of Philippines’ largest multi-disciplinary professional services firm SGV & Co., died Saturday while on a flight to Vancouver from Manila. He was 96 years old.
“With deep sadness, the partners, principals and staff of SGV & Co. announce the passing of SGV Founder Washington SyCip on the 7th of October 2017. Mr. SyCip went quietly while on a flight to Vancouver from Manila. He was 96 years old,” SGV & Co in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
“The SyCip family requests for some private time at this moment. Information on memorial services to follow. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul.”
SyCip founded SGV in 1946 and turned it from a one-man office into the biggest professional services provider in the country today.
Businessmen and friends of SyCip as well as people from all walks of like expressed their sympathy to the family of Sycip through the social media.
BDO Unibank Inc. chairman Teresita Sy-Coson paid tribute to SyCip.
“He has been highly valued adviser to the board of the directors of BDO Unibank. We will always remember his for his guidance over the years,” Sy-Coson said.
Sycip, who founded SGV & Company and the Asian Institute of Management, remained active in the business community as board member of several corporations, including Jollibee Foods Corp., Lopez Holdings Corp., Belle Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PAL Holdings Inc.
SyCip received numerous prestigious awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Columbia Business School in May 2010, Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence (Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service), 1992 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding, Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander conferred by the Philippine government in June 30, 1991 and Officer First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star awarded by His Majesty the King of Sweden in June 1987.
He was awarded honorary degrees from the University of Melbourne (Doctor of Laws), the University of the Philippines (Doctor of Laws), the De La Salle University (Doctor of Philosophy in Financial Management), University of Santo Tomas (Doctorate Degree in Accounting Education) and the Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University (Doctorate Degree in Development Management).
